Public hearing for Fernley incorporation today

FERNLEY - A public hearing today is the next step to determine if Fernley will incorporate as a city.

The hearing is at 1:30 p.m. at the Fernley Town Complex, 595 Silver Lace Boulevard.

Lyon County commissioners will accept oral or written testimony from all interested individuals. Statements from relevant state and local government officials may also be heard.

The public hearing follows the March 27 unanimous approval by the Nevada Department of Taxation's Committee on Local Government Finance that Fernley is suitable for incorporation.

To determine the advisability of incorporation and the feasibility of the proposed city, Nevada Revised Statutes require the commissioners to consider 15 factors, including:

- Extent of commercial and industrial development.

- Extent and age of residential development.

- Comparative size and assessed value of subdivided land and unsubdivided land.

- Likelihood of significant growth in the area during the next 10 years.

- Present cost, method and adequacy of regulatory controls and government service.

- Probably effect of incorporation on revenues and services in the county and local governments in adjacent areas.

Based on testimony that Lyon County and Fernley will be able to negotiate an equitable means of sharing revenue and develop interlocal agreements to provide services, the Department of Taxation analysis indicates Fernley will be able to generate revenue sufficient to provide the level of service the incorporation committee proposes.

After the public hearing, the Lyon County Commission has 30 days to issue an opinion and designate a date on which an election will be held. The election must be no earlier than 60 days or no later than 120 days after the commission issues its opinion.

For information, call 577-5073 or (775) 463-6531.